Hundreds flee as heavy rain in northern Japan triggers floods and landslides

A police vehicle is seen overturned after heavy rain in Shinjo (Kyodo News via AP)

Heavy rain has triggered floods and landslides in Japan, forcing residents to take shelter on safer ground and leaving four people missing, including two police officers.

The rain had subsided in Yamagata and Akita prefectures by Friday, but the area was still at risk of flooding and landslides.